Chapter 389: All Done by His Highness
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Mingzhu led Zheng Momo, Dong Hui, and others through the long corridors of Changxin Palace.
In fact, she hadn’t come away empty-handed today.
The Great Empress Dowager’s attitude was clear. As long as it didn’t affect Yuwen Fu’s interests, she could still move freely in the palace. The Great Empress Dowager would still support her like she did today, scolding Min’s family and driving away Longsheng Great Eldest Princess. She would also stand with her against Min’s family and Zhongshan Wang. However, it was impossible for the Great Empress Dowager to support Yuwen Chu.
The Great Empress Dowager had already clashed with Yuwen Chu, and her methods would only become more intense. As for herself, perhaps the Great Empress Dowager would show some mercy based on their past relationship, but the risk remained.
The Great Empress Dowager had chosen Yuwen Fu, and she had chosen the Fu family and Yuwen Chu. She loved the Great Empress Dowager, but she didn’t want the entire Fu family to perish with her. Nor did she want to see Yuwen Chu, Su Lan, Zheng Momo, and the others meet a dead end. She didn’t want to see the country descend into chaos. Between the narrow path and the broad path, she chose the broad path.
So be it. Mingzhu wouldn’t push further. Though she wasn’t without sorrow, another kind of determination surged within her. She straightened her back, understanding even more clearly what she needed to do.
She didn’t go to find Princess Changhua because she didn’t want to cause her trouble. Instead, she went straight to Guangming Hall. Imperial Consort Min was trembling with fear, like sitting on pins and needles. When she saw Mingzhu come in safely, she breathed a sigh of relief, not caring about their previous unpleasantness, and busied herself arranging for Mingzhu to sit by the charcoal basin. She then asked Cui Lan Gugu to prepare the food.
Mingzhu knew Yuwen Chu had made arrangements, so she felt reassured. “Wasn’t it prepared earlier? Just reheat it and bring it over.”
Imperial Consort Min shook her head. “It’s not fresh anymore. Wait a while, even if you’re hungry. Freshly made food is the best.” After a moment of thought, she looked at Su Lan. “You know what the princess likes. You go and help.”
Su Lan didn’t think much and followed Cui Lan Gugu. Mingzhu, however, understood Imperial Consort Min’s meaning. Imperial Consort Min was terrified, afraid that something might happen even here, so she thought the food prepared earlier might have been tampered with during the time it was left out. It was better to make it fresh. She was still scared, so she let Su Lan watch over it. This way, even if something unlucky happened, Yuwen Chu couldn’t blame her.
It was a bit calculating, but understandable. Regardless, Imperial Consort Min didn’t have malicious intentions. She was genuinely concerned for Mingzhu and her unborn child. Mingzhu naturally engaged in casual conversation with Imperial Consort Min. “The weather has been getting colder lately. Have you finished making the winter clothes?”
Imperial Consort Min replied, “Yes, they’re done. The fur you sent last time was very good. It’s light and warm when worn.” Then she asked Mingzhu, “Has the morning sickness improved at all?”
“Much better. Although I still vomit from time to time, it’s not as bad as before, when I would vomit whatever I ate.”
“It’ll get better after the first three months. I guarantee it’s a son.” Imperial Consort Min’s gaze fell earnestly on Mingzhu’s abdomen. “When I was pregnant with Ah Lang, it was the same. I vomited everything I ate until after three months. Don’t doubt it, it’s true. I woke up one morning feeling refreshed, with a good appetite. The Great Empress Dowager said it must be a son and told me to take good care of myself because I would rely on him in the future…”
At this point, Imperial Consort Min suddenly remembered the recent unpleasantness with Changxin Palace and closed her mouth cautiously.
“I’m really hungry.” Mingzhu smiled and changed the subject. Indeed, being a Mother was different. Many things that used to bother her and that she couldn’t understand seemed to suddenly make sense. Imperial Consort Min, in fact, was just someone who was good at hiding her incompetence in front of others. As the Great Empress Dowager and Yuwen Chu said, she was weak and not very capable, but she was lucky to have a good son and knew how to avoid the limelight.
She didn’t dwell on why Imperial Consort Min had taken care of her so much in her previous life but didn’t get along with her in this life. Out of sight, out of mind, probably. Being a daughter-in-law was different from being the pitiful daughter of a fallen family. Also, since Yuwen Chu would hide in the woods to watch her, then he would certainly have Imperial Consort Min take care of her. This was her wishful thinking because many things couldn’t be traced to the truth, and she preferred to think of them in a positive light.
Imperial Consort Min noticed the gentleness emanating from Mingzhu and relaxed considerably. She reminded her of many things: “The Lunar New Year is approaching, there will be a grand ceremony, and several princesses and county princes’ weddings. You have to attend all of them. It’s not a good idea to endure it silently like this. Secretly carry some snacks to stave off hunger, let them prepare a few thick kneeling cushions for you, make sure your boots have good traction, and don’t stray far from people. Endure a little pettiness and don’t insist on being the strongest.”
Mingzhu listened attentively and replied, “Yes.”
Imperial Consort Min, seeing her unusually obedient, felt quite pleased and was about to remind her about the importance of separating from her husband during pregnancy and arranging for someone to serve Yuwen Chu. But Mingzhu interrupted, “There’s something I need to tell you, Royal Mother, so you’re aware.”
Imperial Consort Min asked, “What is it?”
Mingzhu blinked innocently and said, “There have been rumors circulating everywhere that I’m jealous and unreasonable, and that I’ve sent away all the concubines from the mansion. It’s completely unfair! It’s all done by His Highness!”
Imperial Consort Min became displeased. How could it be Yuwen Chu? She didn’t believe it! Yuwen Chu never sent anyone away before, why would he suddenly start now? She knew very well what kind of person Fu Mingzhu was. She was just speaking nonsense!
Mingzhu didn’t care whether Imperial Consort Min was pleased or not; it was more important to shut her mouth first to avoid saying anything offensive. She had finally managed to create a good atmosphere, and she didn’t want it to be ruined. “His Highness said that this is a season of many troubles, and there are too many scheming people. The gentlemen are also tired, so it’s better to send them off early and make everyone happy. It’s also a way to accumulate merit for the child.” She paused and looked at Imperial Consort Min. “His Highness gave Su Zi to Mr. Mei.”
Imperial Consort Min suddenly understood. It turned out they wanted to use the people bestowed by the Great Empress Dowager to take action. They needed a few additional pawns, or the Great Empress Dowager wouldn’t agree.
Mingzhu continued to feign grievance. “His Highness is like this. He often does bad things without leaving any trace, and everyone blames me for them. I don’t have the guts to do something like that! Even if I did send someone away, if His Highness doesn’t agree, no one would dare to accept them, right?”
Dong Hui and Zheng Momo observed silently, understanding that what the Wangfei said was right. His Highness indeed did bad things without leaving a trace, while she did them openly and with righteousness.
Exactly. Imperial Consort Min had nothing to say. She saw Su Lan and Cui Lan Gugu bring in hot noodle soup, so she quickly let Mingzhu go over to eat. Zheng Momo still wasn’t at ease and tasted the soup herself before allowing Mingzhu to eat.
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